About
DUBBELDAM Architecture + Design is a Toronto based multi-disciplinary design studio recognized for creating innovative and environmentally responsible design solutions that are timeless and uniquely designed for each client and context. Founded by architect Heather Dubbeldam, the studio has grown to include a team of architects and designers from different backgrounds and disciplines. The studio’s design process is characterized by teamwork and intensive collaborative exchange, resulting in projects that reveal a conceptual clarity and are crafted with a meticulous attention to detail. Completed and current projects range from the design of single and multi- family housing, to commercial and institutional renovations, and includes landscape, furniture and installation design.
Each project is considered on a macro and micro scale, from the full extent of the site to the fine details on the interior. Our multidisciplinary approach considers every element as an integrated whole, ensuring that design activates every aspect of the final product. This generates built work that is both functional and elegant, simple without being austere, and designed with a heightened awareness of circulation, materiality and the integration of natural light. As a result, the studio has received numerous awards for design excellence and wide recognition in national and international publications. Our projects are carefully developed and thoughtfully executed with integrity, passion and perseverance; they are the product of a design process that reflects our commitment to sustainable design, allowing the studio to continually produce energy efficient, healthy environments for live, work, and play.
Environmental mission and strategy (ESG)
DUBBELDAM Architecture + Design is committed to incorporating sustainable development principles and strategies into the design of every project as a means to reduce our impact on the environment. Our strategy for sustainable and resource efficient buildings is an integrated approach that starts at the beginning of each project with consideration of the building form, siting/exposure, envelope, materials of construction, systems and equipment. We advocate the use of sustainable building practices as a matter of course, through the reuse of building elements and facilities, the use of efficient and sustainable energy systems and technologies, and the incorporation of renewable or recycled materials.
DUBBELDAM has broad experience researching and incorporating passive and active sustainable design solutions into projects, educating clients about the options for sustainable initiatives and weighing the short and long term benefits. Our projects result in a reduced carbon footprint, lower operating costs, better health conditions for users and improved occupant comfort levels. DUBBELDAM is a member of the Canada Green Building Council, Sustainable Buildings Canada, are adopters of the Architecture 2030 Challenge, and have first-hand experience with the most current sustainable initiatives used in North America. The inclusion of sustainable measures in projects allows the practice to continually produce cost effective, energy efficient, healthy environments for live, work, and play.
Implemented sustainable technologies:
- Program and Spatial Optimization
- High Performance Building Envelope Design
- Passive Solar Heating
- Solar Hot Water and Solar Electric (Photovoltaic) Systems
- Natural Daylighting Strategies
- Natural Ventilation and Passive Cooling Strategies
- Advanced Geothermal Systems
- Radiant Heating
- Heat Recovery Ventilation
- Wastewater Treatment (Greywater and Septic Systems)
- Wastewater Heat Recovery
- Rainwater Collection and Reuse
- Water Conserving Appliances and Fixtures
- Non-toxic, Renewable, Reclaimed, and Recycled Materials and Finishes
- Low Energy Lighting and Appliances
- Green Roof Systems
- Wind Power
